Abandoned Memories |
Abandoned Memories - Escape to Paradise series
by MaryLu Tyndall
Barbour Publishing Inc. (July 1, 2014)
Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
~5 Stars~ *****
A stunning, action-packed conclusion to an outstanding series!!
Venture into the steamy and breathtakingly lush Brazilian
jungle in ‘Abandoned Memories’, a location dense with verdant, lofty trees carrying
vine-laden branches, while the tropical floor erupts with a flourish of ferns
and a lavish array of colorful
and fragrant flowers. Among the trees and azure sky, boasts an abundance of
vibrant birds echoing their calls throughout the jungle. Amidst this majestic
setting however, abides a dark and destructive evil that starkly contrasts with
the picturesque beauty of the jungle..
In this third book of the ‘Escape to Paradise’ series,
the third invisible malevolent being has recently been released from deep in
the caverns below an ancient temple, bringing with it destruction and anguish
to New Hope’s colonists. The group of colonists that had arrived in Brazil for
a fresh beginning after the Civil War, strive to survive the deception,
delusion, and devastation that threatens to completely destroy their budding utopia.
But can they halt the release of the fourth and most apocalyptic beast while
they fight for their survival? In time, the colonists wonder if perhaps there
was a much higher purpose guiding them toward their escape to this unstable paradise.
Balancing the page-turning action, author MaryLu Tyndall
brings us a stirring love story between two of the colonists, James and
Angeline. These charismatic characters of tremendous depth have shameful pasts hidden
from each other, pasts that affect them both in every measure of their lives.
James longs to be the spiritual leader in a utopia free from immoral women,
women that once led to his downfall. In love with Angeline, how will this
preacher/reluctant-doctor handle Angeline’s sordid past when it’s revealed? The
camaraderie between all the colonists is heart-warming, bristling with friction
at times, and always engaging. Many of these folk have dreadful pasts that have
damaged their lives with wounds that continue to bleed… will it be possible for
this battered community to ever abandon their memories to make new ones?
Wow, what a story! ‘Abandoned Memories’ is packed with as
much excitement, adventure, and love, as there is foliage in the overgrown
jungle. The author uses the vivid strokes of a master artist’s brush to
effortlessly transcend the words on the page into striking colours, sounds, and
aromas. Emotionally, I found my heart swelling, throat clogging,
and spirit rejoicing! And that’s when my pulse wasn’t racing, although those reactions
sometimes eventuated within moments of each other, giving credit to the
author’s expertise. Last but certainly not least, inspirational and relevant spiritual messages of redemption & forgiveness are strongly featured. Highly recommended!!
* * * * * * * * * * * *
This book may be purchased from Amazon, CBD, BAM, Barnes & Nobel, and Book Depository. The first two books in this thrilling series, 'Forsaken Dreams' and 'Elusive Hope' can be found on Amazon by clicking on their names!
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of one of the books in the 'Escape to Paradise' series!
This is my favorite auther and also my favorite book too read. Noela, I love how the book keeped getting better every time. I sure hope that Mary Lu is going to make a 4th book in the series. Don't need to add my name in the drawing I already have the book.
ReplyDeleteoh.hello.hiya@gmail.com
Hello DANIE, thanks for dropping by to say hi! Love hearing that MaryLu is your favorite author, she's one of mine too!! 'Abandoned Memories' is the last in this series Danie, but you can be sure whatever comes next will be just as great! :-)
DeleteWaving at my friend, Danie!!! :-)
DeleteAww Mary Lu, send u hug and a wave right back :). Mary Lu, are you working on a new book for a series and if so what is it called and when will it be coming out?
Deleteoh.hello.hiya@gmail.com
I'm very excited about this upcoming book! I absolutely LOVE MaryLu's books and this series has been so interesting & different from others! Can't wait to read it!! :)
ReplyDeleteDon't blame you for being excited BECKA! :-) This book (released July 1st) is an amazing read!!!
DeleteThank you, Becka!! It's definitely a really different series, isn't it? I had a great time writing it! :-)
DeleteWhat an absolutely amazing and descriptive review, NOELA!! WOW! YOU should be writing your own book! This sounds like an exciting, exhilarating read -- as are all of ML's books!
ReplyDeleteHaha... I just like words DIANA, reading AND writing them, but I sure can't see myself writing a book! :) Totally agree with ya, all of MaryLu's books are incredibly exhilarating reads! Love them so much!!
DeleteI think both you ladies should try your hand at writing!!! Your reviews always bring me to tears (good tears, that is!) Love you both to pieces!!!
DeleteLove you lots too MARYLU! Hugs!! And thanks for writing! x
DeleteHi Noela, thank you for sharing. This is a new author for me and I would love a chance to win one of her books. I have heard good things. ~ Blessings ~
ReplyDeleteOh wow LISA, you absolutely have to have a read of MaryLu's books then!! A word of warning though, once you read one of ML's books, you will want to read them all, lol. God bless!!
DeleteHi Lisa! Thanks for coming by!! :-)
DeleteThank you so much for the great review, Noela!! It really touched me and put a huge smile on my face!. And thank you all for dropping by! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you MARYLU, I do hope it didn't seem too over the top, but what can I say - it's was all true!! :-) Thanks for such an entertaining read. Btw, you seriously do write the BEST conversion experiences I've ever read!
DeleteNoela, I love all those descriptions you gave as to what this wonderful book did to you! You need a rest after reading this. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm currently reading the first book in this series and am really enjoying it. The second book is on hold at the library. Oh, the colors on this cover are so beautiful! It makes me want to visit that place.
Hi Sylvia! I wish I could have gone to Brazil for my research, but from the descriptions, it sounds like a gorgeous place! I'm glad you're enjoying Forsaken Dreams. :-)
DeleteSYLVIA, I reckon I did need a rest after reading that story! ;) Whew!!! Hey take me along if you get to visit Brazil okay, it really sounds like such a stunning place!
DeleteWell, I think my first post got lost in cyber space. Noela love your review of this excellent book. Captain MaryLu, you know I just adore your books and think your so talented. Your heart for our Lord is surely in the right place and your love for humanity duly noted in my book. I love OWG, it is such a fine place to come and read testimonies and reviews, nothing compares to it ! You ladies should try your hand at writing, if I can you can !
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Linda Marie Finn
faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com
http://www.faithfulacres.net
Faithful Acres Books & More !
Hi Linda!! Miss Linda is on my Motley crew and a fine sailor she is!!! Hugs to you, Linda!
DeleteThat be Me, TOP WOMAN to the Captain !!! Can't hear Jake and the neverland pirates without singing it our way ! LOL Yo Ho Here we go together as a team, MaryLu's Motley Crew Pirates and Me!!!!
DeleteMaryLu, I done bragged this week to my TV person on the phone and she is making her own pirate costume, so you know I had to send her to my pinterest board for you...lol. She was thrilled to hear of pirate books and ideas for clothing...
LINDA, thanks so much for your comment! And what an absolutely beautiful thing to say about OWG, you are such a sweetheart!!! Happy sailing! :-)
DeleteGreat review Noela! So many great books to read out there, when is a girl to find the time to read all of them? I know I have the first book of this series on my shelf to be read...
ReplyDeleteHi Patty. Thanks so much for coming by! I have the same problem. I never have time to read!!!
DeleteThanks PATTY! I have to admit my reading does tend to push housework etc aside a little too much at times lol, but as you say... There are just TOO many great books out there begging to be read! And then reviewed of course! :)
DeleteI always love your beautifully worded and descriptive reviews, Noela - thank you!!
ReplyDeleteThis review is certainly one of your best - for what I'm sure is an exciting, suspenseful, emotional, romantic, inspirational novel chock-full of amazing characters, out-standing plot, and beautiful descriptions, written by one of Christian fiction's most masterful and inspiring writer/authors - MaryLu!! While reading your review, I mentally walked through that beautiful Brazilian jungle and viewed the characters struggling with their past, present and hope for the future - with you, and feel sure I'll experience the same emotions as you when reading Abandoned Memories: "heart swelling, throat clogging, and spirit rejoicing"!!
Thank you for this beautiful inspiring series, MaryLu - and the dedication, discipline, patience, work, and prayer involved in bringing it to fruition!! Prayers for peace, blessings, joy, and inspiration as you continue to write for Him and us, your readers!!
Bonnie, how eloquent you are!! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and prayers!
DeleteDitto to what MaryLu said, BONNIE!! You truly are one of the sweetest and kindest people I've been blessed to come to know through the OWG blog! Thank you so much for the encouragement that you bless everyone with, and I pray God's abundant love and favour be upon you! Have fun reading 'Abandoned Memories'!!
DeleteThank you for this review. I sounds like a great book. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.
ReplyDeletesusanmsj at msn dot com
Hi SUSAN, thanks for stopping by to read about MaryLu's book! It really is an amazing read, and I so hope you get to read it soon!
DeleteThanks for coming by, Susan!!! :-)
DeleteThank you for a great review. I absolutely love the title of this book.
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
MELANIE, I so agree about the title!! Which is why I just had to use it in my review! ;) All the best!!
DeleteHi Melanie! Thanks for dropping by!!! :-) I love the titles of this series too. They each relate to something the hero and heroine either want to have or wish they left behind.
DeleteAs I commented on Teresa's review, it seems that I have been missing out on a fantastic series. I will quickly remedy that by reading Forsaken Dreams this weekend! :) Thank you for sharing your outstanding review, Noela.
ReplyDeletetexaggs2000 at gmail dot com
Smiling :-)
DeleteWhat an excellent decision BRITNEY! All I can say is you are going to have a great weekend!! Bless you!!
DeleteWhat a beautiful cover! Thanks for sharing the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteRW620(at)aol(dot)com
Thanks! All the covers in the series are gorgeous. My publisher did a great job.
DeleteOh my goodness, I couldn't agree more! The covers are outstanding!! Which reminds me that I need to order this one in paperback as well so that it may grace my weighed-down bookshelves along with the others in this series! :-)
DeleteThank you, MaryLu, you're more than welcome!! I don't have a blog, however, I'm honored and committed to add my encouragement and sharing of your work (and His) and that of other wonderful Christian authors whenever and in any way possible - to that of the wonderful OWG ladies and others!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Noela - trust me, I'm feeling blessed to know you too, sweet lady, and pray God blesses you ten-fold your blessings to others!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bonnie, big hugs!!
DeleteI agree that the covers on all of the books in this series are amazing.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, CINDI, some of the best covers I've ever seen actually!
DeleteLove reading Mary Lu's books and really enjoying this series...I cannot wait to read the last one!! :D Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteLjbayer44(at)gmail(dot)com
You've got a real adventure in store for you in this last one LJ! :-)
DeleteI loved the first two books in this series and have Abandoned Memories on my "want list." It would be fantastic to win it here! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeletepmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
All the best with your entry then PAM! :-) And happy reading!!
DeleteSuch a beautiful cover. I'm looking forward to a fabulous read.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is MARY! God bless!!
DeleteHello girls and another great good review Noela. Love you all. That includes MaryLu. I love MaryLu's blog. Always such beautiful covers to go with her great books. And the tale of these going to Brazil is so interesting. I didn't remember ever hearing of this part of history. Still one handed with my severe sprained wrist. been over3 weeks now. sometimes it fools me into thinking it is healing, them Wham! i realize it isn't. Can be up to 10 weeks according to the papers they gave me. Doc had told us should be well in 7 to 10 days. WRONG! so just staying in. And, for sure, I'm noy good at being one-handed. I would love to win this book. Thanks OWG gals for having MaryLu come by. Maxie
ReplyDeleteHello there MAXIE, thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment, and with your badly sprained wrist too! So sorry it's still giving you grief. I'll get to praying again for you for a much speedier healing. I can imagine how difficult it must be for you only being able to use one hand! Two hands are definitely more handy... ;)
DeleteI love MaryLu's blog also, especially when I can actually find the time to stop by to read her wonderful posts! :) Hope you get to read this book soon Maxie! Have you read the others in this series? Hugs and love to you!!
NOELA once again I am in awe of your phenomenal review!! If I hadn't already read this fabulous book I surely would be reading it after this!! MARYLU's writing has a way of stirring your heart and soul; it's like food for your physical and spiritual beings! I can't wait to see what she comes up with next...maybe something tropical with a few pirates thrown in for excitement!! ;-)
ReplyDeleteTERESA, you are a sweetheart! :-) MaryLu's writing is indeed a feast, and a very hearty feast at that! ;) Lol, trust you to want some pirates thrown in for excitement... So how many would you like?? ;)
DeleteAwesome Post. Thanks to the author and you for the giveaway! Good luck to everyone. <3 teamedward841@live.com
ReplyDeleteThanks KRISTINA! You have Carrie and OWG to thank for the giveaway!! :-)
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